Anxiety in Children and Teens

A Good Night’s Sleep Helps Kids and Teens Worry Less

A Good Night’s Sleep Helps Kids and Teens Worry Less

When kids and teens are worried, sleep is often the first thing to go.
How Sleep Helps Kids and Teens Feel Less Anxious

How Sleep Helps Kids and Teens Feel Less Anxious

When kids and teens feel worried, sleep is often the first thing to go.
How Sleep Helps Kids and Teens Handle Anxiety

How Sleep Helps Kids and Teens Handle Anxiety

When your body is tired, everything feels bigger.
How a Simple Shoulder and Neck Rub Can Help You Feel Calmer

How a Simple Shoulder and Neck Rub Can Help You Feel Calmer

When you feel worried, your shoulders often creep up toward your ears.
How a Daily Walk Can Ease Anxious Feelings in Older Adults

How a Daily Walk Can Ease Anxious Feelings in Older Adults

A daily walk is one of the simplest ways to help your body handle worry.
How to Use Scent to Build a Calmer Evening Routine

How to Use Scent to Build a Calmer Evening Routine

Your nose is a fast shortcut to how a room feels.
Why a Blood Sugar Dip Can Make You Feel Anxious

Why a Blood Sugar Dip Can Make You Feel Anxious

You know that shaky, wired feeling that comes out of nowhere.
Why Low Blood Sugar Can Make You Feel Anxious

Why Low Blood Sugar Can Make You Feel Anxious

You know that shaky, worried feeling that comes out of nowhere? Maybe your heart starts pounding, your hands feel weird, and your thoughts jump around.
A Ten-Minute Walk After Dinner Can Help You Feel Less Wound Up

A Ten-Minute Walk After Dinner Can Help You Feel Less Wound Up

You don’t need a gym, special shoes, or a big block of free time to feel better.
A Short Walk Can Help You Worry Less

A Short Walk Can Help You Worry Less

When you feel worried or wound up, it can be tempting to sit still and think your way out of it.
The Ten-Minute Walk That Helps You Feel Less Wound Up

The Ten-Minute Walk That Helps You Feel Less Wound Up

When your body feels jumpy and your thoughts won’t sit still, the last thing you may want to do is move.
Build a Better Bedtime Routine to Quiet Nighttime Worry

Build a Better Bedtime Routine to Quiet Nighttime Worry

You know the scene.

Quick Tips

What is the simplest breathing exercise to start with?

The simplest exercise is called “Belly Breathing.“ Sit or lie down comfortably and put one hand on your belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose, feeling your belly push your hand out. Then, breathe out slowly through your mouth, feeling your belly fall. Just focus on this slow, steady movement. It’s simple because you only have to pay attention to your hand rising and falling. Doing this for even one minute can help your body start to feel more steady and less shaky when you’re feeling worried.

How can fish oil help my brain feel calmer?

Fish oil contains special fats, called omega-3s, that your brain loves. Think of your brain as a complex machine with many moving parts. These omega-3 fats help oil the machine, making everything run more smoothly. When your brain functions smoothly, it’s better at managing stress and worry. It’s like giving your brain the right tools to stay calm and focused, instead of letting it get stuck on anxious thoughts. This can help you feel more steady and less rattled by daily stresses.

What should I do when my planned day gets thrown off track?

First, be kind to yourself. It’s okay for plans to change. Take one deep breath. Then, look at your list and see if you can adjust just one thing. Maybe you can shorten a task or swap it for something else. The goal isn’t to stick to the plan perfectly, but to feel in control even when things change. By flexibly adjusting your plan, you show yourself that you can handle surprises, which is a powerful tool against anxiety.

What is the fastest way to turn off the alarm when I’m feeling panicked?

The fastest way to quiet a panicked alarm is to focus on your breathing. When you’re scared, you take short, quick breaths from your chest. To calm down, try to slow it way down. Breathe in slowly through your nose for four seconds, like you’re smelling a flower. Then, hold your breath for a second or two. Finally, breathe out slowly through your mouth for six seconds, like you’re gently blowing out a candle. Doing this just three or four times can tell your body’s alarm that the “danger” is over and it’s okay to relax.

How can I start catching these thoughts in my daily life?

The easiest way to start is to pause for a moment when you feel a sudden wave of worry or sadness. Gently ask yourself, “What was just going through my mind?“ Write the thought down if you can. Seeing it on paper helps you look at it more objectively. You can then ask, “Is this 100% true?“ or “Is there another way to see this?“ This simple practice of noticing and questioning your thoughts is like building a mental muscle that helps you feel more in control.